Chapter 32: Two Findings

The canopy caught Evan by the rain shell and tried to fold him into its aluminum frame. Qing watched from the rear counter, eating crackers from his emergency snack drawer. "The portable roof has selected a patient." "It's evidence." "It is attempting treatment." Evan backed out of the scissor joint. The latch rattled against his shaking fingers. He had managed one leg, half the roof, and a fresh bend in the clinic curtain track. Qing ate another cracker. Rust silk showed beneath her battered jacket. "My assessment is that roofs should remain attached to buildings." "Jules wants it back Monday." "Then I advise a rapid recovery." Su stopped at the foot of the stairs. The cream cardigan from the hospital hung past her hips. Its right sleeve covered her fingers, and the shortened stride made her pause before the last step. Her heartbeat pressed slow and heavy beneath Evan's own.…